NICHOLAS GILLINDER SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING VULNERABLE WOMAN
A man with a sexual misconduct history, Nicholas Gillinder, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing after admitting to three offences involving a vulnerable woman.The court was informed that Gillinder, 51, engaged in a series of sexually explicit messages with the woman, who was in her twenties but had a mental age equivalent to a 13-year-old due to autism and learning difficulties.
He also touched her inappropriately on multiple occasions.
Gillinder, of Hart Street, Southport, was employed in the care sector.
Prosecutor Jonathan Rogers stated: "The victim in this case is classified as a vulnerable adult, who only leaves her home when accompanied by an appropriate adult, and has minimal understanding of sexual matters." He added that Gillinder sent messages expressing his affection and asking if she would go to bed with him.
The prosecutor explained that Gillinder’s marriage was strained at the time, which he claimed made the victim feel sorry for him.
The court heard that Gillinder would kiss and cuddle her, and his messages included comments like "you've got nice boobs" and "can I feel your bum." Mr.
Rogers noted that Gillinder reportedly said he "just foolishly fell for her" while in a police van after his arrest.
The incident left the victim with significant psychological harm, including weight gain and distressing nightmares about Gillinder.
She felt betrayed by his actions, which further complicated her daily life.
During the hearing, defense lawyer Arthur Gibson explained: "At the time these offences were committed, his marriage was failing or had already ended.
He got too close to this young woman, was not thinking clearly, and developed an attraction to her, which led to these issues.
She did not understand the seriousness of flirtatious banter.
He falsely believed she was responding positively to his advances." Judge David Potter addressed Gillinder directly, saying: "You knew she functioned at a much younger cognitive level.
You ignored common sense and became infatuated.
You began sending her sexual messages on Snapchat and through texts.
Her responses were childish and not well-informed, yet you interpreted them as encouragement.
It was inappropriate for a man of your age to engage in this way with someone of her limited capacity.
You were a trusted individual and exploited that trust." Gillinder was sentenced to 21 months in prison, with half to be served before release on licence.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and issued a ten-year restraining order.
